'Growing acceptance' of Cha-cha galvanizes Romualdez, House
At A Glance
- Speaker Martin Romualdez and the rest of the House of Representatives has been galvanized by the results of a recent poll, which indicated that more than half of Filipinos favored Charter change (Cha-cha).
- Romualdez was referring to the results of the latest Tangere survey, which showed that 52 percent or over five out of 10 Filipinos support the move to amend the existing 1987 Constitution.
House Speaker Martin Romualdez (Speaker’s office)
Speaker Martin Romualdez and the rest of the House of Representatives has been galvanized by the results of a recent poll, which indicated that more than half of Filipinos favored Charter change (Cha-cha).
Romualdez was referring to the results of the latest Tangere survey, which showed that 52 percent or over five out of 10 Filipinos support the move to amend the existing 1987 Constitution.
"I am encouraged by the recent Tangere survey results showing that a majority, specifically 52 percent, of our fellow Filipinos now support amending the 1987 Constitution. This indicates a pivotal shift in public sentiment, revealing a growing acceptance and willingness among our citizens to consider the merits of constitutional reform," he said in a statement Sunday, March 24.
It was only last March 20 when the House voted 288-8-2 (yes-no-abstain) to pass on third and final reading the proposed economic Cha-cha, as embodied in Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) No.7.
While Romualdez wasn't among the three primary authors of RBH No.7, he has been the top advocate of the measure in and out of the House of Representatives, if not the entire Congress.
He has hammered home many times the need to lift the economic restrictions of the existing Charter and hopefully open the floodgates to much-needed foreign direct investments (FDIs).
"As Speaker, the positive feedback and growing support from our constituents fortify my conviction in the vital mission to refine and enhance our constitutional framework. It propels us to advance our legislative responsibilities with increased dedication and resolve," Romualdez said.
READ THIS:
At any rate, he said that he "acknowledge[s] the concerns and reservations expressed by some sectors regarding the amendment process".
"It is imperative that we address these concerns through transparent, inclusive, and responsible deliberations, ensuring that every voice is heard and considered in shaping the future of our nation's Charter," the Leyte 1st district representative said.
"Under my leadership, the House of Representatives remains committed to fostering an environment where all stakeholders can contribute to meaningful and productive discussions on potential changes to our Constitution," he said.
"We are determined to sustain this momentum and collaborate with all parties involved to realize the constitutional amendments that will pave the way for a more prosperous, just, and equitable future for the Philippines," concluded Romualdez.